THE PROBLEM OF NATIONALISM
IN CHURCH-STATE RELATIONSHIPS
Nationalism, largely responsible for two world wars, is again
resurfacing around the world. Nationalism is related both to
nationality, where a group of people see themselves as a united
society, and to patriotism. Though nationalism was submerged
with the advance of empires and subdued in Western Europe
through the Middle Ages with the concept of Christendom, it
again emerged with the disintegration of the unity of Europe to
which the Reformation contributed. In the twentieth century
nationalism has become fully developed around the world. The
totalitarian state, the most extreme expression of nationalism,
submerges all rights for the good of the state. In demanding
total submission nationalism reveals itself as a religion, a
competing faith among the many traditional religions of
mankind. Nationalism is a form of idolatry, demanding an
allegiance which belongs only to God. A secular nationalism
wars against God and religion, but a religious nationalism is
willing to use religion in the service of the state. Religious
nationalism negates the role of religion in society, and has no
tolerance for religions that challenge state policies. Recognition
of faith as voluntary and religion as independent of the state is
critical to restrain nationalism.
JCS 10 (Spring 1968):249-64
SOURCE: Annotations of Journal of Church and State, Editorials and
Articles. The Separation of Church & State Defended. Selected Writings of
James E. Wood, Jr, Edited with an introduction by Derel H. Davis, J. M.
Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies. Baylor University, Waco, Texas,
(1995) p. 288
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